It is with great sadness that I announce the passing of former State Senator Owen H. Johnson of Babylon at the age of 85. Owen Johnson left an indelible mark on the Senate and forged a legacy of extraordinary service to the people of Suffolk County. Owen Johnson was beloved by his constituents and respected by his colleagues on both sides of the aisle, including eight governors who served during his career in the Senate. O.J. as he was known by so many, represented the people of Suffolk County in the Senate from 1972 to 2012. He was considered an institution in Suffolk County and throughout Long Island for dedicating himself to public service for four decades. During his distinguished career, Senator Johnson served as the long-time leader of the Senate Finance Committee, and assisted our Republican Majority in setting its budget priorities, including successful implementation of a number of important middle-class tax cuts and statewide initiatives that helped create new jobs. He was a staunch advocate for a state spending cap, which we have strictly adhered to in the past four enacted budgets. Senator Johnson sponsored the original legislation to create the states Environmental Protection Fund and the first bill to provide drivers with an insurance discount or a reduction in points for successfully completing a defensive driving course, among many other legislative accomplishments. In his district, Owen Johnson was known for his attention to every detail and concern of his constituents, as well as his efforts to strengthen the economy, promote tourism, and preserve natural resources, including his annual beach clean-up days and being a major booster for the marine fishing industry. Owen Johnson will be greatly missed by all who knew him. On behalf of all my colleagues in the Senate, I extend our thoughts and prayers to his wife Christel, two children, Owen and Chirsten, his son-in-law Dan Tymann, and his granddaughters Eliza and Scarlett.
Posted on: Wed, 24 Dec 2014 15:55:03 +0000